Summary of Economic Impact of General Aviation in Maine

According to the 2006 Economic Impacts of Airports in Maine study, general aviation airports in Maine support over $103 million in economic output annually.

AVIATION BY THE NUMBERS

According to the FAA, there are 70 public-use airports in the state, which serve 2,450 pilots and 1,188 active general aviation aircraft.

According to the 2006 Economic Impacts of Airports in Maine study, more than 130,000 visitors arrive to Maine via general aviation aircraft every year.

NUMBER OF JOBS

According to the 2006 Economic Impacts of Airports in Maine study, general aviation airports support over 1,500 jobs and a payroll of $39.4 million annually.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

According to the same study, general aviation airports in Maine support over $103 million in economic output annually.

According to FAA data, Maine is home to 14 repair stations, 4 FAA-approved pilot schools, 399 flight students and 384 flight instructors.

In addition, there are 27 fixed-base operators in the state, according to the AC-U-KWIK directory. According to Helicopter Association International, there are 156 heliports in Maine.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

“I view the airport (Belfast Municipal Airport) as another gateway to Belfast, kind of like the harbor. An airport can be a revenue generator for the city.” - Thomas Kittredge, Belfast Economic Development director and airport manager (“Benefits of Maine’s small airports come with high federal costs,” Bangor Daily News, October 22, 2012)

LINKS TO OTHER STUDIES

“I view the airport (Belfast Municipal Airport) as another gateway to Belfast, kind of like the harbor. An airport can be a revenue generator for the city.” - Thomas Kittredge, Belfast Economic Development director and airport manager (“Benefits of Maine’s small airports come with high federal costs,” Bangor Daily News, October 22, 2012)

Local Spotlight

Maine Atlantic serves the general aviation community in Owls Head, ME as a fixed base operator. Maine Atlantic provides fuel, line services, and maintenance for general aviation aircraft flying into Knox County Regional Airport.